Alan, your passing still feels unreal. It feels as though you have simply gone away on a long holiday, and that somehow we will see you walking through the doors again with your usual smile and a “good morning” for everyone you meet.

You have been a great friend and advisor to me, especially when I took on my new role. You were always the person I could turn to for advice on anything related to supply chain. No matter how busy you were, you always made the time to explain things, share your knowledge, and help me understand. That kindness, patience and thoughtfulness are what I, and so many of us here, will miss the most.

Your compassion and empathy for the people around you were truly inspiring. I remember the lunches we shared and how we used to tease you about the fact that, no matter what problem came your way, you somehow always had a smile on your face. And your “good mornings” — you never failed to greet every single person you met. It may have seemed like such a small gesture, but it said so much about the kind of person you were. I will truly miss that.

My thoughts and prayers are especially with Lotus and little Cillian. We all knew how much you loved them and how proud you were of your family. I hope that one day Cillian will grow up hearing all the stories about his dad and know just how kind, compassionate and genuinely good a person you were.

Rest in peace, Alan. You will be deeply missed, but your memory and the impact you had on all of us will remain with us always.

You truly showed us what it means to be a good person, and I feel very fortunate to have known you.